FC Porto/Fidelidade wins the final of the Portuguese Cup 100 Years FPP in a game that was an anthem to hockey

What a great, great game in the final of the Taça de Portugal 100 Anos FPP. An authentic anthem to the sport with two teams never giving up in the fight to win the trophy. FC Porto/Fidelidade won, but due to dedication, commitment, the way the public behaved and filled Municipal de Barcelos, hockey won.

The Portuguese Cup 100 years FPP in roller hockey is awarded to FC Porto/Fidelidade. In front of an exhausted Barcelos Municipal Pavilion and bursting at the seams, two great teams presented themselves, one of the best today, who fought hard until the last drop of sweat to win the trophy. Ricardo Ares’ team celebrated in the end after winning 3-2.

Playing with the stadium in their favor, OC Barcelos even saw FC Porto Fidelidade put more pressure on the game, with a more intense pace. Those from Barcelos were betting on quick exits in an attempt to surprise. Strategy that worked: after the 9th minute, a quick exit from captain Luís Querido led to Miguel Rocha scoring the first goal of the final.

After the first time-out, Ricardo Ares’ men returned more offensively, pressing and forcing OC Barcelos to close down, occupying spaces to avoid mistakes. FC Porto/Fidelidade took control of the game at this stage and the result of this pressure had positive effects: Ezequiel Mena’s pass found Rafa loose and a strong shot into the back of Acevedo’s goal, culminating a moment of great insistence on the part of dragons.

The game was alive, intense. Another quick exit from Barcelos’ men and Danilo Rampulla isolates himself, but Xavi Malian completely closes the goal, avoiding the goal. Shortly afterwards, it was Carlo di Benedetto who came very close to scoring the second for Porto. But the break arrived with 1-1 on the scoreboard. Result of 25 minutes of high level hockey played by two teams that showed they really wanted to win the trophy. The result adjusted.

The beginning of the second part was a copy, almost like carbon paper, of the beginning of the first. FC Porto/Fidelidade was once again more offensive, but João Querido and Miguel Rocha scored twice at speed. 1-2 on the scoreboard and still a lot to play for. Unlike the games from the day before, which were more tactical and more closed, this one took place at a high offensive pace, almost stop-and-go and with goal situations bringing the stadium to a roar. And that was how FC Porto/Fidelidade took the lead for the first time: first through captain Gonçalo Alves, who shot the ball into the back of the net without any chance of defense; then by Ezequiel Mena, served by Gonçalo Alves, making it 3-2.

It was OC Barcelos’ turn to take a risk, take over the game and in that sense Rui Neto put the more attacking units on the field. The game was always fast-paced, frenetic, with opportunities for both sides and the goalkeepers shining at a great level with fantastic saves. At 41′, Danilo Rampulla is fouled by Xavi Malian and a penalty is awarded. From the kick, Luís Querido saw Malian fill the goal and missed the opportunity to equalize the result.

Nobody was able to sit still in the last minutes before the anthem of the sport that was being watched on the track, with both teams giving everything. One to defend the result, still always taking risks, the other pushing hard to reach the goal. But it was done. FC Porto/Fidelidade had a party, raised the Trophy, took the Cup to the Dragão Museum.

They handed over the trophy and medals to Luís Sénica, president of the FPP; Mário Constantino Silva Lopes, president of the CMB, Vítor Ferreira, vice-president of the FPP for hockey; and José Paulo Matias, president of the Minho Skating Association.

What they said:

Ricardo Ares, coach of FC Porto/Fidelidade

“I am extremely happy with winning this trophy, we played with very high consistency. I can say that I am privileged to coach the best hockey players in the world. I dedicate this victory to the family, to the entire FC Porto staff, to the players, to everyone who fights with us every day to win more.”

Rui Neto, OC Barcelos coach

“We tried everything to give our fans a victory. Huge pride for the players, for the attitude that my athletes had in this final. The game ended up being decided in one detail, but it doesn’t invalidate the great way we performed.”

Xavier Malian, FC Porto/Fidelidade player

“A very good feeling, a lot of pride for the team, the way we competed in a pavilion with an incredible atmosphere, we were magnificent. I saved a penalty, yes, but the game was won by the whole team.”

Luis Querido, OC Barcelos player

“It’s difficult to talk because the disappointment is enormous. We fought hard, but luck was not on our side. Congratulations to FC Porto for winning the Cup. I’m enormously proud of this team, of my teammates, we gave everything. Now there are 15 days left until another competition in which we will also discuss a Final Four. We are warriors and we leave here with our heads held high and we will try to bring something to Barcelos.”